@Fergie978 My D is also accepted to Rider MT BFA and was at the accepted student day on Friday and Saturday. I would love to join the private group to discuss with others. I am not able to message you directly.
@evcvmom My D is a sophomore CCPA MTD. Happy to answer any questions.
@MTMOM17 I’m a Miami MT mom. So glad you enjoyed your tour. Isn’t the campus beautiful? I always say it reminds me of a Disney resort! Feel free to reach out if you have any questions.
@bloom121 - I added you to the conversation.
@MTMomSF - I was just at Rider this weekend, and have info on Marymount Manhattan as well. You can direct message me or join our DM chat.
@MThopeful99 My D did the Wagner SMTI program last summer. She LOVED it! The students worked with faculty in acting, voice and dance (had a few private voice sessions, as well as group). They went into the city to see several shows and had talkbacks and/or backstage tours. The school seemed extremely well-connected with professionals on Broadway-some alumni currently on Broadway also came and spoke to them. My D thought it was a great program and a lot of fun.
Thank you @BFAMTMOM !!! I will!
Yes the campus is just like a Disney resort! We are totally impressed with everything about the school!
My D met a few MT potential freshman today and is shadowing an MT student on the 18!
If possible, I’m looking to chat with parent(s) of MT student(s) of Illinois Wesleyan. Getting close to a decision, would like some current insight for IWU, if possible. TY!
Am I the only one struggling over my daughter’s decision to want to attend the college that has the better MT program but is not the better college? With similar price tags, I can’t help but feel we are making a mistake not sending her to the academically superior school with the larger national reputation.
@collegemom2000, no you’re not the only one who is examining the quality of the academics of a school in addition to the quality of the MT programs.
Feel free to PM me about Utah. I have a freshman D there and it’s been a great year for her.
@MTMOM17 thank you. Daughter got into an extremely competitive school with just a meh MT program. Letting it go is breaking my heart. She is trying to convince me it would be a waste of money since the MT program isn’t competitive. I’m so torn.
Thanks, @stagedoormama, we are going to follow your advice!
@collegemom2000 - we are also struggling (except BFA-Acting). Super high academic school (USC-with no merit aid) vs great BFA-Acting program (Syracuse- with merit aid). There is also NYU in the mix because it too is a great program and NYC (but 0 aid-and the school costs more to begin with).
I think the “answer” (except for the $ difference in our case) is what your kid wants out of this. But, as parents, we know that their goals can change as they mature and the BA might be the more generally applicable degree. I think you have to let the kid “own” the decision after explaining the risks. There are multiple paths out of the BFA if the performance doesn’t work out (teaching, coaching, being an agent, law school, anything in communications, etc.) and in those alternative areas- perhaps the BFA will be more rare- and interesting to an employer. The point is, we can’t KNOW what will happen - so I think I’d rather 15 years from now not be the one who got in the way of dreams…
My son and I toured LIU Post after he got an acceptance to MT. Admittedly I was somewhat skeptical as it is a newer program, but after seeing an acting class, a dance class, a main stage show, and touring, I was blown away by the quality of the program, the students in the MT program, and the faculty. The proximity to NY is an additional plus for auditions and networking (both of which are encouraged by the program). The school is extremely focused on training these kids for the “real world” of acting/MT and are very dedicated to doing what they can to train and equip them for life after college. The campus is very pretty and is small and safe (which this midwestern mom appreciates when sending her kid across the country for college!) Again- a newer program on the scene, but it definitely seems to have what it takes to become a heavy hitter in MT in the near future! Hope this helps!
Good advice @MomofJ5. Sounds like you have a lot of great choices as well! Good luck on a decision.
For those struggling with great academic acceptances from schools with non BFA options, remember that Debra Messing attended Brandeis and Lin Manuel Miranda attended Wesleyan. And the list of successful performers in non-BFA programs is endless, including many ivy graduates.
Academics were our top priority and in the end the acceptances D considered were NYU, Barnard, Brandeis, American, Muhlenberg and GW. Most offered talent/ leadership/ academic merit scholarships.
Our plan would have been to supplement any deficits in a program with voice or dance lessons, but we felt you could not replace or supplement the experience of a higher level of academics. As it turned out, D attended NYU and was able to have both (BM Steinhardt). The raised academic bar she sought was apparent in the expectations of ALL her professors including those teaching voice, MT and music classes. Her classmates embraced academics, as well, and many in the BM program had double majors and minors. Once she ventured outside the Music department, she had wonderful academic options. She minored in the Business of Entertainment, Media and Technology, and English.
D worked for a top talent agency in their theatre department. Few of their agents had BFA degrees, but most went to top academic schools.
D is now back at NYU pursuing an MBA. She was accepted at several schools with large scholarships. While having a non-traditional background made her stand out, she was told that her acceptances were helped by her academic degree from NYU.
Well said @uskoolfish!!!
I agree 100%
Congrats to your super successful D!
Try not to get caught up in names. It is no secret that many good MT programs are housed in lesser known schools. We hadn’t heard of many of the schools to which D ended up applying until we learned of their MT program. However, I think a good quality academic education can be had at institutions that may not have the same reputation as a Northwestern or an NYU. Some things to look for:
- Is there an honors program and can your MT student participate? Will it work with an MT schedule?
- Are there other organizations or groups to be involved with on campus that can provide enrichment opportunities for your student? For example, our D was in a leadership group that gave her the opportunity to meet and learn from a supreme court justice, civic and business leaders, global change agents and others.
- Is your child entering school with college credits? If so, does that allow for more academic elective classes to pursue other academic interests?
Sometimes the big name academic schools are not financially viable for our students and/or don’t give them the MT training they desire. Supplementing an already expensive school with additional fees for outside training may not be feasible. So a school lower down on the academic rankings may be in play. Sometimes the lesser known schools can provide you with a challenging education if that is what you desire, but you may have to seek out those classes and activities that will provide you with that challenge. Really look at what’s available and ask a lot of questions about what is possible.
If you think your child may pursue a masters or other advanced degree down the road, it may make sense to go to a lower cost, less prestigious school for their undergrad degree to save some money - and go to the big name school for that advanced degree. Make sure they they get good grades in undergrad so those more prestigious programs are a possibility for them in grad school.
@jeanetteschneider my D is a freshman Theatre Performance at Wagner. Feel free to PM me with any questions. She loves the program.